Nelson High School is the gifted program center for all students living south of the Q.E.W. in the Burlington area. This means that any student with a gifted identification who registers under the board timelines is entitled to attendance at Nelson, as well as transportation to and from home provided they reside south of the Q.E.W.
Students are timetabled into gifted cluster classes (for core courses) consisting of identified gifted students combined with highly-able students recommended for gifted placement based on teacher recommendations and prior achievement. Gifted cluster classes cover the same curriculum as regular academic course offerings, but provide a differentiated learning experience more suited to the gifted learner. Evaluations are equivalent to the academic courses, and final evaluations and exams are the same. Teachers of gifted cluster classes are selected on the basis of subject knowledge, teaching experience, department head recommendation, and a teaching style which suits the gifted learner. These teachers meet regularly to hone their practice, and collaborate to produce the best possible program.
In grade nine and ten, course offerings are the required core courses (English, Math, Science, History/Geography).
In grade eleven and twelve, courses are determined by student course selections, but generally include English, Math, and several sciences.
FAQ
Q: My child is a top student in her class. Can I request that she be added to the gifted cluster class?
A: We will take your request into account, but placement is normally based on teacher recommendation.
Q: Is the gifted class going to be more work than a regular academic class?
A: No. The work may be different, but not more.
Q: Will my marks be lower in the gifted class than they would be in a regular academic class?
A: No. The marks will be based only on the evaluation of the same basic content as every other academic class.
Q: Do I have to take all my classes with the gifted cluster?
A: No. You may choose to opt out of gifted clustering if you wish to take a course at the academic pace and depth.
Q: What is different about gifted cluster classes?
A: You will be allowed the opportunity to learn at your own pace, and in your own way more often than in a regular academic class. You will learn the same content, but may go into greater depth, or explore wider connections.
Q: Do I select gifted cluster classes when I do my course selections?
A: Yes , you should select the gifted core course that ends with a '5' (Eg. ENG2D5). Those classes will be created in May, and will appear on the timetable you receive, either in June, or over the summer.
Useful Links
The Association for Bright Children: Halton Chapter
Lots of opportunities for gifted students and their families to get involved in local events and activities. A great way to meet kids of different ages, and from different schools and backgrounds.
A great online resource about everything gifted!
Educators for the Gifted Organization
This organization provides consulting services and resources for all stakeholders involved in gifted education